A routine trip to the hardware store inspired Arkansas Tech University student Summer Nelson of London to write an award-winning essay in celebration of International Women’s Day 2013.

Nelson was chosen as the winner of a $500 cash prize in an essay contest sponsored by Lee Ann’s Fine Jewelry of Russellville. She received the award during a luncheon presented by the Arkansas Tech Office of Student Services on March 8.

The topic for the essay contest was “What is one of the most pressing issues facing young women entering the workforce, and how do you envision yourself overcoming that issue?”

Nelson began her essay by recalling her interactions with store employees while buying a pair of welding gloves. She was asked if she was buying the gloves for her father or husband, when in fact they were for her. Nelson is majoring in agriculture education at Arkansas Tech.

“After that conversation, I started thinking about the obstacles that I will face upon graduation when I enter into a field dominated by men,” wrote Nelson. “In addition, I was reminded of the old paradigm still affecting women in the workplace. The paradigm I refer to is the one that says some jobs are still women’s jobs and other jobs are men’s jobs and that one gender is better suited for a certain career than the other gender. These gender stereotypes are one of the most pressing issues facing young, working women today.”

International Women’s Day has existed since 1908 and it has been celebrated on March 8 of each year since 1914.

“Education is the key when it comes to abolishing gender stereotypes in the workplace,” wrote Nelson. “By educating people about gender stereotypes and how to best combat them, we will help increase the opportunities available to women and ensure that women can excel in any career. While we can’t solve the problem in a day or even a decade, I do believe that we can slowly chip away at it until it’s a thing of the past. Even a simple conversation at a local hardware store can change at least a couple of people’s viewpoints.”